Weekend Intensive Courses

FALL 2013

History of Christianity I H 101-W, Ken Rodgers

This course gives an overview of the history of Christianity from the apostolic period to the eve of the Reformation. Topics addressed include theoretical issues in studying the history of Christianity, early Christianity, the Constantinian shift, Augustine’s influence, asceticism, the Middle Ages, Medieval lay piety and dissent, monastic orders, the papacy and the beginnings of the Renaissance. 3 semester hours.

NEW: Science Fiction and Theology T-247W, Steve Schweitzer

Science Fiction engages theological themes. Whether literature, movies, or television, the genre of science fiction achieves an ability to ask questions and to imagine alternative ways of viewing reality. This estrangement allows us to probe theological and philosophical issues in new ways. This course explores many biblical and theological concerns as they are manifested in science fiction. Topics that will be discussed include: the nature of humanity; construction and experience of the Divine; relationships between nature and humanity, nature and the Divine, and humanity and the Divine; role of culture; gender; religion; rituals; perceptions of reality; the problem of evil; violence; use and abuse of technology; function of mythology; the concept of shalom and the creation of alternative futures; and the quest for meaning. Readings from scholarly treatments of the genre will accompany selections from literature as well as movies (The Matrix trilogy; the Star Wars saga; Tron and Tron Legacy; the various Star Trek films; Stargate; 2001: A Space Odyssey; Blade Runner; The Time Machine) and television (Battlestar Galactica; Firefly and Serenity; and the various Star Trek series).    Full course description [1] (pdf).

Youth and Mission TS 317-W, Russell Haitch

This course examines global trends in Christianity and what they mean for rising generations, when youth are seen either as missionaries or mission field or when the church as a whole is said to be “missional.” Students discuss theological and cultural trends that raise issues of ministry with youth people and issues of doctrine for the church. Themes for research, discussion, and writing include 1) pneumatology and the rise of Pentecostalism, 2) ecclesiology and the growth of independent churches, 3) soteriology and the relationship between personal and communal aspects of salvation, and 4) revelation and the relationship between scripture and human experience. Discussion of these themes takes place in regard to the world young people inhabit, a world in which cultures are being reshaped by global patterns of consumption and communication and a world that confronts young people with an array of areas (e.g., biomedical, psychosexual, socioeconomic) in which they may be searching for reliable guides or guideposts.

SPRING 2014